Computeractive

Computeractive is the UK’s best-selling computer magazine and your friendly guide to PCs, gadgets and the web! It includes regular news updates, project ideas, help and advice on popular reader queries, articles on anti-virus software, features on consumer rights, and a whole lot more to help you get the very best out of your computer. Get PC advice in plain English today – get Computeractive!

Computeractive

From the Editor

Switch to uBlock Origin Lite to keep blocking adverts

Amazon tweaks Prime Video to show what you have to pay for

Phone companies must block spam calls from abroad

IN BRIEF

TOMORROW’S WORLD

YouTube shows black screens if you use ad-blockers

Less than half of UK homes have landlines

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

Google to axe Android apps that ‘do nothing’

Three more men arrested for selling hacked TV sticks

How will Microsoft prevent further IT outages? • The company wants to stop security firms ‘tampering’ with Windows

Protect your tech • Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools

Letters • Tell us what’s on your mind

Consumeractive • We stand up for your legal rights

Grow Your Family Tree • If your 17th-century ancestor had a chimney, they would’ve paid for the privilege. Follow Judith Batchelor’s advice to…

Best Free Software • Robert Irvine recommends new programs that won’t cost you a thing

What should I download? • We advise you which software and apps to use

SOFTWARE WARNING! • Keumars Afifi-Sabet puts the boot into tech villains, jargon-spouting companies and misbehaving software

Beelink SER8 • Case closed

MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo • Working tall

Honor 200 • Zoom with a view

Minisforum V3 • Cover your tracks

Ugreen Revodok Pro 313 • Linked in

Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL • Low key

HP 925 Ergonomic Vertical Mouse • Tall order

Ultimea Nova S50 • Pump up the volume

Buy It • Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 headsets

Back Issue CD & USB Stick • Both the CD and Stick contain all 26 issues from 2023

HOW TO… Write encrypted documents using Proton Drive • What you need: Free Proton account Time required: One hour

Use advanced image-editing tools for free • What you need: Serif Affinity Photo (free six-month trial) Time required: 25 minutes

Readers’ Tips

Browser Tips

Phone and Tablet Tips

Make Windows Better

Make Office Better

In The Club • Run a club or society? Here’s how your tech can make it easier

Apple Maps • It’s taken ages, but a potential rival to Google Maps is finally here

CANCEL YOUR PHONE CONTRACT • Stop overpaying for your mobile plan and switch to a cheaper, fairer and more flexible alternative. Robert Irvine reveals how to choose the best deal for your budget and needs

SAVE 35% SUBSCRIBE TODAY

How NOT to upgrade to Windows 11 • Don’t put your PC and data at risk when you upgrade from Windows 10 to Microsoft’s latest operating system. Robert Irvine reveals the mistakes you must avoid

Why you must use Microsoft Start • There’s more to this fantastic app than award-winning weather forecasts. Daniel Booth explains how it can give you news headlines, traffic updates, money-saving offers and much more

Problems Solved • Our experts solve all your tech problems

Reader Support • Having a problem with our recommended software or expert tips? Email editor@computeractive.co.uk and we’ll do our best to help

Jargon Buster

Find keys using a Bluetooth tracker • While impatiently...